Growth responses of lycopersicon esculentum to cement dust treatment

Abstract

Seedlings of Lycopersicon esculentum L. were raised in pots in December, 1989. When they attained 4–6 leaf stage, the seedlings were sprayed with cement dust at three different rates, i.e., 3 (L₁), 5 (L₂) and 7 (L₃)g m^‐2 d^‐1 till 90‐day‐age of the plants. Dusted plants showed a consistent reduction in growth and yield. Photosynthetic pigments and phytomass of dusted plants were also reduced significantly. Flowering and fruiting processes were hampered by cement particles, maximum being in L₃, followed by L₂ and L₁ plants. Ascorbic acid content of fruits was increased in treated plants.